The Chief Constable of North Wales has apologised after calling homosexuals "queer".

Richard Brunstrom says he regrets making the remark "on the spur of the moment".

Mr Brunstrom was challenged by a policeman after making the remark during an internal meeting this week.

The Gay Police Association (GPA) says it is disappointed with the chief constable's comment.

The controversial chief constable, who joined North Wales Police in December 2000, said: "I regret that on the spur of the moment I used an inappropriate word during an internal meeting.

'Insulting'

"I was challenged and immediately apologised. I think the challenge reflects well on the modern culture of North Wales Police."

Even though Mr Brunstrom apologised immediately, the GPA said the comments would have affected the confidence of gay communities in north Wales.

"The Gay Police Association is shocked and disappointed that Chief Constable Brunstrom should use such abusive and insulting language," said Ian Saunders, Community Advisor for GPA.

"Mr Brunstrom is a chief constable who has previously demonstrated his commitment to equality for lesbian and gay staff and the GPA is pleased that when challenged he immediately apologised for the remark.

"His words will have affected the confidence that his lesbian and gay staff and the gay communities in north Wales he serves have in him," he added.

Speeding

"He should act quickly to demonstrate that this error of judgement is not indicative of a homophobic culture within his force."

Malcolm King from the North Wales Police Authority, the body which works in partnership with the chief constable to deliver policing to the people of north Wales, said he did not want to comment on Mr Brunstrom's remark until he knew more about the incident.

Mr Brunstrom is also head of road policing for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Since he took over the top post at North Wales Police in January 2001, he has perhaps become best known for his determination to crack down on speeding drivers.